Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1887-02-24
s7'ireinia ii free gress.
W. ". b. GALL4HER, Editor.
ALIVELY PASSENGER.
HOc Traveller and His alligator Gre
dted a Sensation on a TI'din.

| boarded the fast mail at Savannah.
The only vacant seat was beside bluff.
looking man in a white slouch hat and
the general appearance of a farmer.
Going far" inquired, by way Of
opening conversation.
Should say so; goin' to Oskaloosy,
Iowa. Live thar. Been down inter
Floridy lookin' for a chance TO invest,
but, Lord love you! 'mint nothin' down
thar. Had good time, though
"Yes? Saw plenty of native curiosi-
ties, alligators, and so forth, l suppose ~
SHOULD say so. Got one now in that
box down thar; takin' i'm home goin'
ter show 'em something will open thcr
eyes"
| glanced rather neryously at the long
wooden box which was lyinga at my feet
in fact, my feet were resting on it, !
took them off. There was something
very uncomfortable in the idea of my ex-
tremities monkeying around a four-foot
alligator, and the other passengers who
had heard the remark, evidently shared
my nervousness. 1t was soon known all
over the coach that there was live alli-
gator aboard, and people began to whis-
per to each other and cast threatening
glances toward the farmer in the slouch
hat. He did not appear to notice them,
however, and by-and-by he got up and
went out into the smoking car
| nudged over toward the window,
pushed the box very gently little near
er the aisle, pulled out Il paper, and had
soon forgotten all about the dangerous
amphibian.
"Hot coffee Sandwiches Hot cof
fee," A colored waiter was rushing
through the car with large tray of re-
freshments He stumbled against the
projecting end Of the box The hot cof-
fee flew in about forty directions, a damp
sandwich struck me in the eye. The top
Of the box came of, and in a moment
all was wild confusion
An excited individual sprang up on
his seat, and shouted "1he alligator, the
alligator is loose -
Others took up the cry. The alarm
became general. The negro was picking
up the fragments Of his crockery when
he caught sight Of the alligator, which
had tumbled out of the box. lie gave
one wild yell, the whites Of his eyes be-
came painfully evident, and he started on
a run down the car, the alligator close at
his heels and apparently gaining at every
jump.
There was a reign Of terror in that
coach, and don't you forget it. As for
me, | climbed up ON the back Of my seat
ard made myself small as possible It
wasn't my alligator, and / saw no ncces-
sity for personal interference. ] noticed
that most Of the male passengers did like
wise. Some actually tried to get up into
the hat-rack, and a few attemped to force
a passage through the windows. Every
woman present screamed at the top Of her
voice. A large majority tainted. The
stlonger-minded followed the exam
pie of the gentlemen and roasted high.
When the negro got TO the rear Of the
car the alligator was right at him. He
was afraid to take time to open the door
so he jumped over the reptile and busted
for the other end. The gator wheeled
about and promptly followed in Wild pur-
suit. Part Of the time he really appear
ed rot 70 touch the floor As they near
ed nay place Of observation the blood
thirsty brute seemed swelled with rage to
double IL usual size. Streams Of fire
seemed flashing from his eyes, and there
was look Of fierce determination about
him, indicating that he had made up bis
mind to lunch of that co!oged man, and
meant bpsiDes4,
Directly in front Of me the poor man
stumbled and fell Fifty people offered
up hasty and involuntary prayer fol
/ his soul, but in falling his heels bit the
alligator, and the animal shot under NY
seat. wasn't very much attached to th'
seat, anyhow. Imoved over to the bael